Cowbell Kitchen Founder Dies at 23

The downtown Leesburg restaurant community was rattled by news this week that the co-founder of Cowbell Kitchen had died at 23 years old.

Kaeley “KK” Brady died May 3. According to online reports, she had been placed into a medically induced coma after falling ill several weeks ago. Her memorial service is planned for Wednesday.

Cowbell co-founder Cheryl “Cher” Strasser started Cowbell Kitchen as a food truck in front of the Lucketts Store. Brady joined her as a business partner after graduating from George Mason University and introduced several new cuisine concepts to Cowbell, including her signature smoothie bowls.

The duo soon branched the business out to become fixtures at seven farmers markets in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. They opened their brick and mortar shop in downtown Leesburg last year.

Brady’s family is working to establish a 501(c) in her honor. The Love, KK Foundation will support her love for small businesses and farmers. Since a GoFundMe was launched earlier this week, more than $9,000 has been raised. More information can be found online at kkbrady.com.

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